Below you'll find some additional information about the way I work, and answers to some of the questions I'm often asked. I hope this is useful, but if you have any questions, please contact me.

FAQ’S

Do I need a new set if I upgrade from a practise set to a half or full set?

No – the Uilleann Pipes are a modular instrument. If you've started with a Practise Set, when you decide you are ready for drones, you keep the existing set, and the drones are added to it. The Mainstock Cup ties into your existing bag, and the Mainstock and Drones then plug into this. If you have a Half Set, the stock will be ready to accept the Tenor and Baritone regulators, they just plug straight into the Mainstock.

I have a chanter by another maker, will you make a reed for it?

I don't offer a reedmaking service as such, I only generally make and sell reeds for my pipes. However my reeds do work in some other maker's chanters, with success, for example sets made by Cillian O'Briain, Dave Williams, Gordon Galloway. It's best to contact to me and we can have a conversation.

Do you sell Bags and Bellows separately?

No, these are only available when you order a set of pipes.

Do you have a waiting list?

Yes. It's best to contact me for the latest status.

Do you offer a warranty?

Yes, I offer a year's warranty on any new set you buy from me. So for a period of one year I'll fix or repair anything that has failed or come apart. This warranty does not cover reeds, unauthorised modifications, accidental damage or normal wear and tear. Reeds are not covered under warranty.

Do you teach reedmaking?

Yes, I'm always keen to encourage someone who wants to learn to make reeds. I teach one-to-one at my workshop, or I host reedmaking workshops for piping clubs.

Do you make Flat Pitch pipes?

I have been making C Natural Chanters for a few years now, and they've been very well received. As of 2021 I am making C Natural Drones. C Natural regulators are currently under development. I currently have no plans to make chanters or sets in other keys.

Do you do Nickel or Silver plating?

The metalwork for the instruments is brass, and can either be nickel or silver plated. 

Do you provide a case with the pipes?

I recently worked with well known case maker, Hiscox Cases, to develop a case for the pipes. The result is a very strong, but lightweight case, which offers superb protection, and is very good value. It can be supplied with backpack straps. A case ordered with a Practise or Half Set will be charged at the current retail price. If ordered with a Full Set, I can offer a case at a discounted rate. Please ask for details.

Additional information.

Andy Faden is a full time resident of the United Kingdom, and is registered with HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) as a Sole Trader under the company name 'Andy Faden Uilleann Pipes'.

The company is not VAT registered. It follows therefore that all prices quoted are exclusive of VAT, and that VAT will not be added to any price quoted. 

Order process.

All instruments are made to order.

Following an initial discussion, and you decide to place and order, to an agreed specification and estimated timescale, I will put your name on my waiting list. 

No deposit is payable at this stage. Please note that any price quoted at the time of putting your name on a waiting list is only a guide price. It follows therefore that when I actually come to make your instrument that the price may have changed.

When I am about to start work on your instrument, I will get in touch and ask you to confirm that you would still like to proceed with the order. The final price for the instrument, and estimated delivery date, will be agreed at this time. 

If you would like to proceed, I will ask for a deposit of 1/3 of the agreed price. The agreed price at this time will be exclusive of any shipping costs. The deposit will need to be paid before I start the work. 

Once the instrument is complete, I will send you a final invoice for the balance due, which will include shipping costs if you have chosen not to collect the instrument in person.

Payment 

All payments must be made in GBP Stirling please, preferably by bank transfer, or by some other method as agreed. The cost of any currency conversion is the responsibility of the customer. 

Bank details are available on request if you wish to make a BACS transfer. 

Shipment 

If you are not able to collect the instrument in person, it can be shipped to you by an appropriate means, e.g. courier.

The costs of postage, packaging, and insurance, are not included in the price of the instrument. These are additional costs payable by the customer. 

The instrument will be shipped to you by the most appropriate means.

Please note that any country specific customs, duty, and tax charges due when importing an instrument into your country are the responsibility of the customer.

The instrument will be insured in transit. If the instrument arrives damaged please notify me immediately. Please keep all packaging and delivery paperwork as the courier may wish to inspect it. 

Instrument returns 

In the event that you are unhappy with your instrument, please get in touch and I will try to resolve your issues. If you are still not happy and you wish to return an instrument, please send it back, and ensure that it is returned in perfect condition. If an instrument is damaged during transit you are responsible for any repair costs. These may be deducted from any refund.

Website information 

The information contained on this website is presented purely for guidance and interest. I have made every effort to ensure that it is correct and accurate at the time of publication.

E & OE

Andy Faden Uilleann Pipes